Green Party TD Steven Matthews has said that the ‘Together for Better’ funding model for the childcare sector will lower childcare fees for parents, improve pay and working conditions and increase access to childcare places for families across Wicklow. This scheme delivers on a key commitment of the Green Party in the Programme for Government to reform the childcare system. One of the priorities of this scheme is to halve childcare fees by 2024.
Speaking following the launch of ‘Together for Better’ by his Green Party colleague and the Minister for Children, Roderic O’Gorman TD, Deputy Matthews said:
“I am delighted to welcome the launch of ‘Together for Better’ – a new funding model for Early Learning and School Aged Childcare which will transform supports for families, workers and providers in the sector. Ensuring access to high-quality and affordable childcare is one of the most important priorities for the Green Party during the cost-of-living crisis. We aim to halve childcare fees by 2024, introduce better pay and conditions for staff and increase the number of childcare places available.
“We have achieved progress on many of these objectives. Earlier this year, we secured a national fee freeze for parents and in Budget 2023 we plan to introduce the first-ever reductions in childcare fees. Almost nine out of ten childcare providers in Wicklow have already signed up to the €221 million Core Funding scheme, which was launched this week. New Employment Regulation Orders will also come into effect which will see childcare workers benefiting from improved pay and conditions.
“By reducing childcare fees and significantly increasing parental leave along with other measures, the Green Party is working hard to make Ireland the best country in Europe to raise children. We believe in a model where families can access childcare at a low cost in their local communities and where children can develop and thrive in a positive and nurturing environment. Through ‘Together for Better’, we have the opportunity to ensure a sustainable system of childcare for the next generation of children. If anyone has questions about the Green Party’s childcare policies, I would encourage them to get in touch with me directly and I will offer any support I can”, Deputy Matthews concluded.
Comentários